Lecce president Saverio Sticchi Damiani has made it clear that he is determined to defy Manchester United’s plan to sign Patrick Dorgu during the current transfer window.
United are keen to improve their wing back options, with manager Ruben Amorim committed to making his favourite 3-4-3 formation work at Old Trafford.
Dorgu, 20, recently emerged as United’s top target but the Premier League outfit have so far been unable to agree a deal with Lecce.
An initial bid of Ā£16.8million plus Ā£4.2m in add-ons was rejected by Lecce before United upped their offer to Ā£25.2m during further informal discussions.
Denmark international Dorgu has started 21 of Lecce’s 22 Serie A games this season, including Sunday’s 4-0 defeat at home to Inter Milan.
That result left Lecce just one point above the relegation zone and president Damiani made it clear that he does not want to damage the club’s survival chances by selling star players at this stage of the season.
Versatile Lecce star Patrick Dorgu is a top transfer target for Manchester United this winter
Dorgu can operate in many positions but Ruben Amorin wants to sign him to play at wing back
Damiani told Sky Italia: ‘There are a series of situations in progress to complete the squad [by signing new players].Ā
‘[In terms of sales] we are trying to resist, as is logical, because it is in our interest to keep the players who are protagonists of this group. So far, our idea is to not sell anyone in January.’
Although United want to sign Dorgu to play as a left-sided wing back, the Copenhagen-born ace can confidently operate in a variety of positions. He has featured in both attack and defence this season, operating on both flanks too.
If United are unable to break Lecce’s resistance and sign Dorgu then Benfica star Alvaro Carreras could be an alternative option.
Carreras was a United player from 2020 to 2024. He joined Benfica from Old Trafford 12 months ago, initially on loan before making the move permanent for around Ā£5m during the summer.
But a buy-back clause gives United the option of re-signing Carreras for a fee of Ā£15m. That clause is due to remain active until January next year.
United sent scouts to watch Carreras on Saturday night when he played the full 90 minutes in a 3-1 defeat at Casa Pia.
Speaking in November, Carreras said that a move back to United was not on his radar, and that he was fully focused on his goals with Benfica and the Spanish national team.
Lecce presidentĀ Saverio Sticchi Damiani has made it clear that he does not want to sell Dorgu
‘I have people close to me and they are the ones who look at it more,’ he told Marca. ‘To be honest, I don’t pay much attention to it. I’m focused on what I have to do because I have a game every three days.
‘It’s always nice to have teams call you and everyone wants to grow, but I’m doing very well here.
‘United have a signed purchase option, but I’m very happy here. I have a five-year contract with Benfica.
‘I want to win titles and continue to grow personally, as I am still only 21 years old. I want to win, whether it is with Spain or with Benfica, to continue to grow.’
